Nickel package: 5 things to watch in Ravens-Lions matchup

5. Protecting quarterback Joe Flacco

U.S. Presswire photo

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has started every game during his four-year career, but the organization doesn't want to watch him take too many hits like the ones he endured last week. An offensive line that is now at full strength will need to keep Flacco out of harm's way against a star-studded Lions defensive line that features Cliff Avril and Ndamukong Suh. Getting veteran center Matt Birk back is a good start and should clean up some of the communication problems that plagued the offensive line last week.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has started every game during his four-year career, but the organization doesn't want to watch him take too many hits like the ones he endured last week. An offensive line that is now at full strength will need to keep Flacco out of harm's way against a star-studded Lions defensive line that features Cliff Avril and Ndamukong Suh. Getting veteran center Matt Birk back is a good start and should clean up some of the communication problems that plagued the offensive line last week. (U.S. Presswire photo)

Supposed to be one of the teams strengths, the Ravens secondary was lit up in the first quarter last week by Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Its far too early to be alarmed, but a sound effort against Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, pictured, and his all-world wide receiver Calvin Johnson would be a welcome development. Jimmy Smith, the second-year corner who has struggled to stay on the field in training camp, will be under the microscope if he plays through back spasms.

Supposed to be one of the teams strengths, the Ravens secondary was lit up in the first quarter last week by Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Its far too early to be alarmed, but a sound effort against Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, pictured, and his all-world wide receiver Calvin Johnson would be a welcome development. Jimmy Smith, the second-year corner who has struggled to stay on the field in training camp, will be under the microscope if he plays through back spasms. (U.S. Presswire photo)